Winter Weather Impacts the West with Snow and Rain
Several rounds of mountain snow and heavy rain are set to affect the Western states, providing much-awaited relief to areas grappling with a significant snow drought—one of the worst in decades.
Currently, the Upper Colorado Basin is seeing its lowest recorded snowfall during this time of year. In fact, Salt Lake City, Utah hasn’t measured an inch of snow in 330 days, while Grand Junction, Colorado, has gone even longer, at 442 days.
A considerable dip in the jet stream is anticipated to settle over the West starting this Sunday, which will set off a series of active weather events. This will likely lead to multiple storms, bringing ample snow to higher elevations and rainfall to lower ones.
California is expected to feel the brunt of this weather pattern, as a powerful low-pressure system moves through the state. As a result, back-to-back storms will deliver heavy rain to the region.
According to forecasts, several waves of snow are anticipated through the end of next week, with some mountains possibly receiving several feet of snowfall, particularly in the Sierra, Rocky Mountains, Colorado Basin, and Wasatch Range. This will be crucial for areas that have been experiencing a lack of snow.
As we look to lower elevations like Southern California, the forecast predicts heavy rain beginning early next week. Major cities, such as Los Angeles and San Diego, could see up to 5 inches of rain, raising flash flood concerns, particularly in areas scarred by the destructive wildfires of 2025.
Currently, the FOX Prediction Center notes a low-level (1/4) threat for flash flooding. By the end of this period, forecasts from NOAA suggest a high likelihood of above-normal precipitation across much of the West for the remainder of February.
